Media response - Surburban Rail Loop and cars

Published on 14 March 2025

Enquiry from The Age and Council responses

Does council agree with the aspiration for the Monash suburbs hosting SRL to be a "car lite" suburbs? 

Council supports SRL Station precincts as being areas where people have various transport options. This must include better connections to other public transport options and improvements to active transport infrastructure in and around station precincts. 

However, there will still be demand for private vehicle trips to access these precincts given the existing road network and existing constraints in and around each precinct.

Do you agree that planning regulations should be changed to cap car parks in high density developments? 

Car parking rates should reflect transport accessibility. This includes assessing car parking in the overall context of transport options available including active transport modes and accessibility to public transport options. However, we are cautious about to the removal of minimum car parking requirements, including in areas where public transport accessibility is considered improving but may be in a period of transition. 

Are you happy with the consultation with the council so far? 

We support the SRL project as a gamechanger for Monash. It's important we have time to consider the Draft Structure Plans and background information prior to the formal public exhibitions starting. As a major stakeholder we are working closely with the SRLA and have passed on this feedback and keen to continue working collaboratively.

Any other comments you have from the planning docs?

Council is reviewing the Suburban Rail Loop Authority’s draft structure plans for Burwood, Clayton, Glen Waverley and Monash and will make a submission as part of the consultation process.

The Suburban Rail Loop has the potential to be a gamechanger for Monash’s transport connection to the rest of Melbourne. 

We are encouraged by recent discussions with the Minister addressing some of the questions we've raised and the feedback we have provided.

We also encourage members of the Monash community to provide their views to SRLA when feedback opens later this month as local input into this transformational project is crucial. 

Quoting: Mayor Paul Klisaris